R.I.P.: Hawaii Broadcaster Kimo Akane Passes At 58

Kimo Akane

Ashton "Kimo Akane" Kaiuwailani, radio personality and programmer and broadcast mentor, died Monday.

He was 58, according to The Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

He was PD of Summit Media's KINE 105.1 FM Honolulu and had been hospitalized in a coma for two weeks, after suffering an apparent heart attack in mid-December.

SummitMedia SVP of Programming Bill Tanner remarked of Akane, "He had a wonderfully warm, friendly personality and was a great radio guy. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and worked with him."

He is being remembered for reining in radio stations' overly broad music playlists, for mentoring on-air personalities, for his easy laugh, and for his deep, sonorous voice.

Industry colleagues will stage a private celebration of his life, meanwhile, a fundraiser is being planned to help offset medical expenses.

NYC Radio: WWRL Switches To Spanish Wednesday

Another piece of New York’s black radio heritage disappears Wednesday when WWRL 1600 AM switches to a Spanish-language format.

According to media writer David Hinckley at the NY Daily News, the change is mostly historic, since WWRL has not been a “black” station in years. Its most recent format was progressive talk, and morning host Mark Riley was the only major daily link to the station’s “black radio” days.

Still, coming soon after the demise of WRKS 98.7 FM, it underscores the constriction of what was once a more robust tradition of black radio in New York City.

The heyday of WWRL as a black station ran from 1964, when Egmont Sonderling bought the station and switched it to a black music format, to 1982, when new owners switched it to gospel.

During those years, The Soul Brothers on “The Big ’RL” created a cutting-edge spot for R&B music and a community meeting place.

The DJs were a critical part of that success. Besides PD Bobby Jay, the lineup included Enoch Gregory, Gary Byrd, Jeff Troy, Hank Spann and Jerry Bledsoe, and most of the jocks stayed there 10-15 years, remarkable stability for radio.


What ended the ’RL era, says Jay, was the collapse of a plan to transfer the format to FM.

“That was in the late ’70s, when the audience was moving to FM,” he says. “The owners bought an FM, WRVR, that played jazz. The plan was to move jazz to 1600 and the ’RL format to FM.

“If that had happened, we would have given ’BLS a run for its money. But it never did.”



After gospel, WWRL tried classic soul, only to have a big FM suddenly do the same thing. For the last decade, it has tried different talk formats, before finally deciding to go Spanish.

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CBS Radio: Chicago, S.F. Personalities Reported OUT

Tom Marker

CBS Radio is closing out the year by parting company with two veteran Chicago radio personalities — Tom Marker of WXRT 93.1 FM and Trish Biondo of WUSN 99.5 FM.

Chicago Media blogger Robert Feder was first to report that Marker’s position as WXRT’s evening personality and “Blues Breakers” host is being eliminated after 33 years at the adult album alternative station, according to insiders. Details of his separation agreement are being negotiated. However, Marker is still listed on the station's website.

Biondo’s contract as US 99.5’s midday personality was not renewed after 27 years at the country music station. Sources said Biondo was unable to reach agreement on non-economic issues.

Jeff Kapugi, program director of US 99.5, said Laura Taylor and other part-timers will fill in until a permanent midday host is named.

Trish Biondo

CRM notes that last year, US99.5 was looking at replacing Biondo. This was primarily because of management's wishes that she do her show live and local from the US99.5 studios, thus connecting better with fans and advertisers, as opposed to only being in the studios two or three days per week, which has been her arrangement for the last few years.

CBS Radio placed ads for a new Country DJ for the station and was very close to naming a new host and a new rearranged lineup. However, in mid-December 2012, the station decided to instead pick up Biondo's contract option for one more year and reassess the situation at the end of this year.

Once again, this year's contract negotiations became hung up on Biondo's unwillingness to work from the US99.5 studios in downtown Chicago, so that she could spend more time with her family.

In San Francisco, All Access is reporting CBS Radio Alternative KITS Live 105 Steve Masters has exited as morning host. There has been no word on who will replace him as of yet.

Masters reportedly is still involved with KITS via endorsements, appearances and specialty shifts.

NY Radio: Pamal Donates AM To Keep It On-Air

A struggling  radio station has a new lease on life after its owner gave it to the smallest NPR station in the United States rather than shut it down.

WGHQ 920 AM, Kingston, N.Y., will start broadcasting as part of non-profit WHDD-FM, Sharon, Conn., known as "Robin Hood Radio," Tuesday or New Year's Day, officials of both stations said.

The ownership change, viewed among fans as snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, is a result of a last-minute deal in which WGHQ owner Pamal Broadcasting Ltd. agreed to donate the station's license and transmitter to WHDD owner Tri-State Public Communications Inc., Tri-State co-founder Marshall Miles told United Press International.

The papers were signed Monday, he said.

Tri-State will initially operate the station under a local marketing agreement with Pamal, pending Federal Communications Commission approval.

It announced Dec. 20 it would shutter financially struggling WGHQ at the end of the year.   But Pamal owner and President James J. Morrell changed his mind last week after Miles, who worked for WGHQ in the 1970s, approached him with the idea of donating the station to Tri-State to keep it from going dark.

The station, operating from the second floor of a pre-Revolutionary War stone building, developed a strong community identity over the years but struggled financially in the 1990s with the proliferation of FM stations, and owner Walter C. Maxwell and his family sold it in 1999.

Pamal bought the station in 2007.

Beyonce Criticized For Sampling Challenger Disaster Audio

Beyonce has drawn criticism for the “insensitive” inclusion of audio from the space shuttle Challenger disaster in her video for a newly released love song, according to The NY Post.

Challenger exploded 73 seconds after liftoff from the Kennedy Space Center on January 28, 1986, killing all seven crew members.

The song “XO,” about a troubled relationship, features the voice of now-retired NASA public affairs officer Steve Nesbitt, commentating as the shuttle was seen breaking apart on live television.

“Flight controllers here looking very carefully at the situation. Obviously a major malfunction,” Nesbitt is heard saying. The brief audio clip runs for six seconds.

Beyonce issued a statement: “My heart goes out to the families of those lost in the Challenger disaster. The song ‘XO’ was recorded with the sincerest intention to help heal those who have lost loved ones and to remind us that unexpected things happen, so love and appreciate every minute that you have with those who mean the most to you.

“The songwriters included the audio in tribute to the unselfish work of the Challenger crew with hope that they will never be forgotten.”

Former and current astronauts, NASA employees and Challenger family members see it differently.

June Scobee Rodgers, the widow of Challenger Space Shuttle Commander Dick Scobee and a founder of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education, expressed her disappointment in the singer’s decision.

Retired NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson told ABC News, “For the words to be used in the video is simply insensitive, at the very least.”

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Beyoncé’s new song “XO” doesn’t appear to be a hit with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, according to wsj.com.  The agency has responded to the song’s use of an audio clip from the disastrous Space Shuttle Challenger launch on Jan. 28, 1986.

“The Challenger accident is an important part of our history; a tragic reminder that space exploration is risky and should never be trivialized,” the agency said in a statement. “NASA works everyday to honor the legacy of our fallen astronauts as we carry out our mission to reach for new heights and explore the universe.”

Rdio shutters Vdio

Subscription music service Rdio has announced that it was closing over-the-top video streaming service Vdio less than nine months after formally launching the service on April 2, according to multi-channel.com.

The move is the latest example of how some companies, such as Rdio and Intel, have been pulling back from the launch of over-the-top video services. Reports have also circulated that Amazon may have decided to postpone or shelve its plan for the TV set-top box.

In a statement posted on Vdio.com, the company noted “We have decided to discontinue the Vdio beta service. Despite our efforts, we were not able to deliver the differentiated customer experience we had hoped for. We want to thank all customers who have tried our service, and we have given gift cards to all those who have purchased content or have unused rental content.”

Nashville Radio: Personality Gerry House To Release Book

Gerry House’s new book "Country Music Broke My Brain: A Behind-The-Microphone Peek At Nashville’s Famous & Fabulous Stars", will be released March 4, 2014. It will be published by Bella Books.

As host of the nationally syndicated, top-rated morning show, Gerry House & The Foundation, House was part of Nashville radio WSIX for more than 25 years. He has won numerous broadcasting awards, including a place in the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

House has also written songs for George Strait (“The Big One”), Reba McEntire (“Little Rock”), LeAnn Rimes (“On the Side of Angels”) and Pam Tillis (“The River and the Highway”).

In Country Music Broke My Brain, Gerry shares his stories from the other side of the microphone. He reveals never-aired, previously unpublished conversations with Country artists including Johnny Cash, Brad Paisley and McEntire, who also penned the book’s forward.

House wrote his own daily radio material and also stand-up jokes and TB scripts for other shows for years, including the ACM Awards, the CMA Awards, the CMT Awards, and others.

Remembering Celebs Who Died In 2013

From Fox News Channel...

December 31 In Radio History

In 1923...In London, the BBC first aired the chimes of Big Ben.

In 1923...the first transatlantic radio broadcast of a voice occurred between Pittsburgh and Manchester, England



In 1929...Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians played "Auld Lang Syne" as a New Year's Eve song for the first time during their first annual New Year's Eve Party at the Hotel Roosevelt Grill in New York. The show was broadcast on the CBS Radio network and became the longest-running annual special program in radio history.

In 1940...ASCAP prevented the radio industry from playing any ASCAP-licensed music. The ban lasted for ten months. It was in reaction to a dispute between the radio networks and ASCAP, the American Society of Composers and Publishers.

In 1943...Country singer John Denver was born Henry John Deutschendorf. He died in a crash of an experimental plane he was piloting on Oct. 12, 1997 at 53.

In 1948...Disco diva Donna Summer was born. She died on May 17, 2012 at 63

In 1951...The "Wild Bill Hickok" TV series was replicated on radio following its success on television.

In 1963...the "Dear Abby Show" premiered on the CBS Radio network. It ran eleven years. On this day in 1966, "Pirate Radio 390" (Radio Invicata)an off-shore station near England, resumed broadcasting.

In 1970...Paul McCartney sued the other members of the Beatles for a legal dissolution of their "partnership." On the same day, the British magazine Melody Maker announced that the Beatles were looking for a new bass player. Four years to the day later, the four of them came to terms and made the separation final.



In 1972...TV producer Dick Clark initiated a new holiday tradition with "Three Dog Night's New Year's Rockin' Eve" on NBC. The headliners, along with Blood, Sweat & Tears, Helen Reddy, and Al Green, appeared in performances that had been pre-taped in the Grand Ballroom of the Queen Mary, docked in Long Beach, California. Clark himself did not appear on the initial program. In 1973, he began hosting the special, its name shortened to "New Year's Rockin' Eve." The show moved to ABC-TV in 1974.

In 1982...the "CBS Mystery Theater" aired its final episode after 8 years on radio.

In 1982...the NBC Radio network cancelled practically all of it's daily features.


In 1985...Singer/actor Ricky Nelson, his fiancé Helen Blair, and five members of the Stone Canyon Band, died in the crash of his private DC-3 airplane (which was previously owned by Jerry Lee Lewis) near DeKalb, Texas, while en route to a concert appearance in Dallas. The pilot was attempting an emergency landing after a fire, caused by a malfunctioning gas heater, broke out on the plane. Nelson was 45.

ESPN Hires Tim Tebow As Analyst

Tim Tebow

Former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow has agreed to a multiyear deal to join ESPN as an analyst for the SEC Network, it was announced Monday.

"I am so excited that ESPN has given me this incredible opportunity," Tebow said in a statement. "When I was six years old, I fell in love with the game of football, and while I continue to pursue my dream of playing quarterback in the NFL, this is an amazing opportunity to be part of the unparalleled passion of college football and the SEC."

Tebow's primary role will be as an analyst for SEC Nation, a traveling pregame show that will originate from a different SEC campus each week. The show will debut at the Texas A&M-South Carolina game in Columbia, S.C., on Aug. 28, 2014.

The former Florida Gators quarterback will also contribute to a variety of ESPN platforms, including SportsCenter, ESPN Radio and the network's Heisman Trophy coverage.

Tebow will make his debut as an analyst on Jan. 6 during ESPN's pregame coverage of the Vizio BCS National Championship Game.

I am so excited that ESPN has given me this incredible opportunity. When I was six years old I fell in love with the game of football and...
— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) December 30, 2013

…while I continue to pursue my dream of playing quarterback in the NFL, this is an amazing opportunity to be a part of…
— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) December 30, 2013

…the unparalleled passion of college football and the SEC.
— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) December 30, 2013

"Tim is a SEC icon with a national fan base and broad appeal. He will be a significant contributor to the compelling content we will deliver with the SEC Network," said Justin Connolly, ESPN senior vice president, programming, college networks. "Tim brings a wealth of knowledge about the game, the conference and the passion among SEC fans."

Tebow's role with ESPN will not preclude him from continuing to pursue playing opportunities in the NFL.

ABC Radio News Correspondent Vic Ratner Retires

Vic Ratner, who has covered the news for ABC News Radio in 47 countries and 49 states, is retiring as of Tuesday.

Named a general assignment correspondent for ABC News in 1973, he is primarily assigned to cover Congressional activities on Capitol Hill, but also reports on a variety of major news stories for “World News This Morning”, “Good Morning America” and the ABC Radio Networks.

Ratner was the lead Congressional correspondent for ABC Radio’s extensive coverage of the impeachment investigation and trial of President Bill Clinton in 1999. That was his second impeachment assignment; upon joining ABC News, he covered the original Watergate burglary trial and the subsequent investigations, which led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.

A veteran space reporter, Ratner was the only radio network correspondent on the air live when the space shuttle Challenger blew up. He remained on the air that day for over five hours, providing on-the-scene information and background on the tragedy for ABC News audiences.

Previously Ratner served as correspondent, news director and anchor for radio and television stations in several major cities, including New York and Philadelphia.

LISTEN TO AUDIO TRIBUTE: Click Here.

ABC News President Ben Sherwood sent the following note to the news division just before Christmas announcing Ratner's retirement from ABC News Radio at the end of the month.

I am writing with news that Vic Ratner – our legendary work horse, Capitol reporter, war correspondent and space enthusiast – is retiring. 

Most careers can be captured in words.  Vic’s career is captured in sounds. 

In his incredible 40 years on the air for ABC News Radio, Vic has painted vivid pictures for our listeners with a rich and imaginative vocabulary that brought stories to life and gave meaning to “Gemini” and “Apollo” and even “filibuster” and “quorum.”  With every syllable, Vic defined and embodied excellence. 

When Vic arrived at ABC in 1973, one of his first assignments was the trial of the “Watergate Seven” in Washington.  He has covered every presidential campaign, political convention, inauguration and State of the Union since then, plus almost every space shuttle launch. He has reported from 54 countries and 49 states.  

For the record book, only South Dakota — the Mt. Rushmore State — has  escaped his attention. 

Vic wanted to let you know the following: 

“I have been fortunate to work with and learn from exceptionally talented and innovative people at ABC.  Thanks to all of you for the collaborative effort, which makes us the best.” 

Vic’s last day in the office will be December 31.  We’ll warmly acknowledge his amazing career at an event in the Washington bureau during the last week of January. 

Until then, please join me in thanking Vic for 40 unforgettable years on the air.  Also please join me in expressing our gratitude to his wife Judy for sharing Vic all these years.  We wish them both the very best in the years ahead. 

Ben

NYC Radio: Michael Savage Starting PM Drive on WABC

As of Wednesday, WABC’s long-time afternoon anchors — Rush Limbaugh at noon and Sean Hannity at 3 p.m. — move to WOR 710 AM.

WABC has not announced a host for Limbaugh’s spot. But Michael Savage is taking Hannity’s, and all eyes will be watching to see who’s on top when the dust starts to settle.

Savage thinks he offers a strong alternative to Hannity, according to The NY Daily News.

“I know what Sean does,” he says. “He works from Republican Party talking points. He says he doesn’t any more, but he does.

“I don’t. You can’t drone on about the Bill of Rights. It’s just not interesting radio. My show is also an Obamacare-free zone. Who wants to hear about that?”

It’s not that Savage never talks politics, or hot-button issues. Ask any listener who has heard him crank it up on immigration, border security or what he sees as the ever-growing tentacles of big government and the entitlement society it encourages.

“My views changed during the year I was a social worker in New York,” says the 71-year-old Savage, who was born in the Bronx, graduated from Jamaica High and Queens College and now lives in the San Francisco area.

“I was working for the Department of Welfare, and I began to realize people who were on welfare — my clients — were living better than I was. That opened my eyes and changed my political beliefs.”

Regular Savage listeners have heard him expound on this subject in dire tones, warning that the “50% of the country” that doesn’t want to work is suffocating the 50% that does.

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Tom's Take: Someone is missing an opportunity at WABC. As of this writing there's no mention of Michael Savage starting Wednesday on the WABC Homepage.

Report: CES To Spotlight In-Car Digital Race

Bloomberg photo

Technology giants Google Inc. and Apple Inc. AAPL are about to expand their battle for digital supremacy to a new front: the automobile, according to wsj.com

Next week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Google and German auto maker Audi AG plan to announce that they are working together to develop in-car entertainment and information systems that are based on Google's Android software, people familiar with the matter said.

They also plan to disclose collaborative efforts with other automotive and tech companies, including chip maker Nvidia Corp., to establish Android as an important technology for future vehicles, these people said. The aim is to allow drivers and passengers to access music, navigation, apps and services that are similar to those widely available now on Android-powered smartphones, these people added.

The coming announcements signal Google's response to an initiative launched last June by Apple to integrate iPhones and other devices running its iOS operating system with car makers' dashboard control panels. Apple so far has the support of BMW, Daimler's Mercedes-Benz division, General Motors Co. and Honda Motor Co.

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CNN Pundit: Media May Have ‘Overreacted’ to Boston Bombing

CNN Reliable Sources host Brian Stelter delivered what he felt would be “an unpopular opinion” to CNN Newsroom host Carol Costello Friday, according to Mediaite.

In a discussion of the media’s coverage of the Boston Marathon Bombing, Stelter said “I wonder if there was an overreaction in the press, considering the relatively low number of deaths and injuries.”

“I wonder if the press, overall, in retrospect, overreacted to the attacks in Boston,” Stelter said. “It was a very scary week. I was scared, along with the rest of the country. In retrospect, I wonder if there was an overreaction in the press, considering the relatively low number of deaths and injuries, whether it was taken out of proportion, given all the other violence we see all the time.”

He concluded, “Because the word ‘terrorism’ was applied, I think there may have been an overreaction.”

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